Who We Are

Here. For Generations.

The Michigan Wildlife Council was created in 2013 to implement and oversee a public education campaign about the importance of conservation and wildlife management to Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor traditions.

Michigan Wildlife Council Members

The nine members of the Michigan Wildlife Council (MWC) come from all parts of the state and represent a wide range of residents, but they share a common vision when it involves Michigan’s cherished outdoor traditions: ensuring they’re here for generations.

Council members — appointed by the governor and subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate — are entrusted with educating the public about the importance of conserving and managing our forests, waters and wildlife.

Matt Pedigo (Chair)

Matt Pedigo of Howell is an engineer for Federal-Mogul, where he has worked for over 13 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Kettering University in Flint. For the Michigan Wildlife Council, he serves as a voice for individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in the state at least once during each of the past three years. Term ends 3/31/2021

Jeffery Poet (Vice Chair)

Jeffery Poet has literally made the outdoors his business. Poet is president of Jay’s Sporting Goods Inc. in Clare, where he has participated in the growth of the company since its inception. Poet, who earned his associate degree in business management from Northwood University, represents on the Wildlife Council businesses that are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing. Term ends 3/31/2021

Kristin Phillips (Treasurer)

Kristin Phillips has over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications. She has been chief of the DNR Marketing & Outreach Division since October 2013. Prior to joining the DNR, Kristin worked in the department of History, Arts & Libraries, marketing and managing the business aspects of Michigan History magazine. She also helped to launch and deliver Michigan History for Kids magazine to every school in Michigan.

Beth Gruden

Beth Gruden, who represents Michigan’s agricultural producers on the Michigan Wildlife Council, is the owner of Blue Wing Consulting, LLC, a firm specializing in nutrient management and compliance for livestock farms. She is a certified plan writer for the Natrual Resources Conservation Service. Gruden has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Michigan State University and currently resides in Perrinton, Michigan. Term ends 3/31/2018

Carol Rose

Carol Rose is vice president of Jeffress-Dyer Inc.–Real Estate Appraisal and Consulting, specializing in commercial land and large forestry and recreational use lands in Northern Michigan. She lives in the Northeast Michigan town of Hillman, where she has access to world-class trout streams, inland lakes, forest and trails. Rose – the first person to serve as chair of the Michigan Wildlife Council – represents individuals with a media or marketing background who are not employees of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on the MWC. Term ends 3/31/2018

Jim Hammill

Jim Hammill doesn’t just love the natural environment, he also enjoys learning about it. Hammill earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Adrian College and studied wildlife management at Michigan State University. The Crystal Falls resident runs a land consulting and management business in the Upper Peninsula and is a certified plan writer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also holds a real estate license and has sold recreational land for more than a dozen years. Term ends 3/31/2020

Henry Stancato

Henry Stancato is a member of Stancato Tragge Wells PLLC in Detroit, where he has practiced law for more than 35 years. Stancato, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and a law degree from Wayne State University, has served as a member of Youthville Detroit and New Center Community Mental Health Services. On the Michigan Wildlife Council, he is a representative of regular purchasers of Michigan hunting or fishing licenses. Term ends 3/31/2021

Randy Stec

Randy Stec grew up in a rural area of Michigan where he had easy access to the Great Lakes. Now, as a member of the Michigan Wildlife Council, he represents rural parts of the state where economies are substantially impacted by outdoor activities. The Caro resident, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University, is executive vice president of GreenStone Farm Credit Services, where he oversees the financial institution’s sales and marketing functions. Term ends 3/31/2018

Edgar Roy

Edgar Roy is an attorney with Kuhn, Rogers, PLC. Previously he practiced with Brandt, Fisher, Alward and Roy, PC. Roy holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. He will represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in Michigan at least once during each of the past three years. Term ends 3/31/2020